Japanese GP: Williams aims to get back into the points

Williams performed very well in Singapore, where only a slight mistake by Nico Rosberg, but one with heavy consequences, cost them a podium finish. The team had introduced numerous upgrades to their car, including new front and rear wings, modifications to the chassis, and a new diffuser. The FW31 has been particularly competitive this season on tracks demanding medium to high downforce, and the team therefore has great ambitions for this weekend at Suzuka.

Nico Rosberg will attempt to reconnect with the top 6 for this race. The German driver, four races ago, was in fifth position in the championship behind the untouchable Brawn GP and Red Bull duos. Since then, he has been overtaken by Kimi Räikkönen and Lewis Hamilton. Kazuki Nakajima will be racing at home on a track he knows like the back of his hand. This might be, for him, the moment or never to score a point this season. He is the only driver, at the start of this season, along with Nelsinho Piquet, who has not yet opened his point tally in the championship. Indeed, Jaime Alguersuari, Romain Grosjean, Vitantonio Liuzzi, and Luca Badoer have not raced as much.

Kazuki Nakajima – Racing Driver:

I grew up around Suzuka. I’ve been to the circuit several times, and it’s here that I started karting. I’ve also watched many races there, Formula 1 of course, but also other Japanese races. So going to Suzuka is like going home! Apart from a short trip last April, I haven’t been there for the past four years, so it will be almost a new experience for me. Suzuka has a technical and challenging layout. It’s a really fast circuit, so you must ensure your car is well balanced! You have to be careful in Japan, and at this time of year the weather can be really variable, but that could just make things more exciting!

Nico Rosberg – Racing Driver:

I am now eagerly awaiting Suzuka because I think we can succeed there. Personally, I think this circuit is one of the best on the calendar. It’s also a great place for Formula 1 because the fans are very enthusiastic. I haven’t been to Suzuka for three years now, but I felt really comfortable on the track the last time I raced there. I’m looking forward to driving on it again.

Sam Michael – Team Director

«I expect us to be competitive, but I’m not sure we will be as strong as we were in Singapore. We will bring more developments to the FW31 for this race, and our goal is definitely to score points after missing them in Singapore.»